Most experts agree: babies travelling in a car are safest when secured in a rear-facing car seat. Although conventional wisdom says that they can move to a forward facing car seat once they reach 20 pounds, it is recommended that they stay in a rear-facing seat until they outgrow it, preferably after their first birthday.
The reason is simple. No matter how well secured a baby is in a forward facing seat, in the event of a head on collision, their head is going to snap forward. Unfortunately, a baby's neck is insufficiently developed to deal with this, and there is a very real danger of serious spinal damage. This is greatly minimised by the use of a rear-facing seat.
The Graco SnugRide Car Seat
Graco is one of the most respected manufacturers of baby goods on the planet, and when they make a rear facing car seat, you can be assured that it's worth taking notice. The SnugFit car seat is extensively tested, meeting and exceeding US safety guidelines. It is crash tested, even from side impacts, and is consistently topping any independent safety review worth reading. The liner is made from Energy Absorbent Foam to minimise any potential impact, and the adjustable 5 point safety harness ensures that your baby is held safely at all times. Additionally, it features a head support for added protection.
Other Features
The safety record of the Graco SnugRide is reassuring, and indeed, it feels incredibly sturdy. However, the first thing you'll probably notice is the LATCH mechanism it employs. Instead of having to struggle with seat belts every time you want to take your baby out in the car, you only have to fit a base unit once. The base unit stays in the car, while the seat itself simply clicks securely into place in seconds. Removing the seat is just as easy: with the click of a button, it can be carried away by the ergonomically designed carrier handle, without disturbing your baby!
Graco has thoughtfully made additional base units available for purchase separately, so if you've got two cars, or if Grandma like to drive her grandchild regularly, you don't have to buy a whole new seat, or fuss over transferring a base from one car to the other.
Base units are not the only thing that the car seat fits into. You can also get stroller frames that are extremely compact, and click the car seat in to bring your baby for a walk. Other manufacturers have also acknowledged the popularity of the SnugRide by making adapters to fit the car seat to their buggies. More inventive companies have gone even further, and you can now get a baby swing that's designed especially for your SnugRide car seat!
Finally, Graco has included probably the finest canopy on any car seat. If there is too much sun shining on your little one, this excellent addition can cover your baby completely, and as it's fully supported, it won't disturb them or come loose. There's even a cute peek-a-boo window in it so you can check that they're ok!
Conclusion
We bought a Graco SnugRide for our first child, and have never looked back. It's durable, and if you buy one of the larger models, it will keep your baby safe for their first year and beyond. Available in a variety of sizes and designs, you are sure to find one you like!
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